BarkingProse

Tess

Tess is a funny girl. When she first joined our pack she acted like she wanted to get on the couch, but she wouldn’t do it if anybody was watching.

One day she took a chance and climbed up. She didn’t get in trouble so she decided it was okay. Now she spends every possible minute on “her” couch.

Tess doesn’t like other dogs on the couch except for me. When Jack wants some couch time Tess barges in front of him and blocks his access. If mom sees that she makes Tess leave Jack alone so he can have some couch time. Tess gets real upset if a guest dog wants on the couch.

Tess is real bossy about the couch once she’s on it. She doesn’t like mom sitting too close to dad. She’ll wedge her way between them so that she’s in the center. Tess likes to sleep on her back with her paws in the air. She uses the back of the couch to balance so she doesn’t roll off. Jack and I laugh at her when she does this, but she doesn’t care.

It’s funny what makes each of us happy. For Tess it’s couch time. For Jack it’s a ride in the car. For me it’s my ball. Small things. Simple pleasures. In case you’re wondering, this is no major bark. It’s just a glimpse into what our lives are like when nothing much happens. Gotta run.

River and Wind

I am so happy. It’s the feeling you get when you know you have a special friend. A friend who not only likes you but understands you. A friend who wants to hang with you whether you’re showing your good self or your bad self.

River is that kind of friend. I met him when he was a puppy and we hit it off right away. I like his older brother Wind too, but Wind is more serious and really doesn’t have time for me.

River and Wind were at the dog party when I started barking and couldn’t stop myself. I was annoying people and I felt sorry for mom because she didn’t know what to do to help me. She finally put me in my training mode and I got my good self back.

A couple days later River wrote me and explained that I was just yapping at the universe. River said once in a while we all need to yap at the universe. Isn’t that just the best expression? It’s exactly how I felt when I couldn’t stop barking. I had to get something out and didn’t know how to say it, so I just kept yapping.

It’s pretty neat that River knew about the universe and how we all need to yap at it. He’s only been in this world for eight months. I think he’s an old soul and this isn’t his first time here. He’s a really special friend and I can’t wait till I see him again. Thanks River!

Jack

This is gonna be a short bark but I want everybody to know. Mom and dad were invited to dinner at the home of their friends. These are the people who have Frieda, the golden retriever.

They also have two young cats who don’t get to meet many dogs. So they invited Jack to come to dinner. His job was to show himself to the cats.

Jack was happy that he got to go in the car. He had no idea he had been invited to dinner. He’s still insecure because he never learned good house manners. He doesn’t know what he’s supposed to do.

But he was on a leash and he stayed real close to mom. The cats came out to see who was in the house. When they saw Jack they got kinda hissy with him. One ran away and the other puffed up like a big toad. Jack looked bewildered. He didn’t understand why they would act that way.

Jack is mellow and easy going these days. He knew the cats were worried about him. He acted all meek and turned away so they wouldn’t feel threatened. That was exactly the right thing to do. Pretty soon the cats came out and watched him for a while. He finally got bored being the center of attention and went and took a nap on Frieda’s bed.

Me and Tess were envious that he got to go, but we were really proud that he did so well. Our friends said he could come back anytime. When he got home he kept babbling about his trip. He said it was the best possible day. He went for a ride, got a bowl of grub and a bunch of treats. Best of all he got lots of praise. He’s feeling pretty good about himself right now. I can tell because he’s making silly sounds in his sleep. Way to go Jack!